Updated Nutrition Guidance

The Department for Education has published new nutrition guidance for early years providers, which will replace the previous guidance from September 2025. 

Starting September 2025, providers in England are expected to "have regard" to the new nutrition guidelines, following them unless there are substantial reasons not to. The guidelines reinforce the EYFS statutory requirement that meals, snacks, and drinks must be healthy, balanced, and nutritious. 

This guidance encompasses all early years providers caring for children aged 0 to 5 years. While adherence to these guidelines is not strictly mandatory, it represents a positive step forward in embedding good nutritional practices more firmly into the system. 

The importance of good nutrition in early years for long-term health outcomes is clearly reaffirmed. Major highlights of the new guidance include: 

• Emphasis on supporting progression to textured foods, which is crucial for development.
• A simple "Provide, Limit, Avoid" framework to facilitate easy navigation of food choices.
• Inclusion of portion size guidance to support appropriate nutrition by age.
• Alignment with School Food Standards, bringing early years nutrition closer to school-age expectations.
• Example meals and snacks provided to offer practical inspiration.
• Strong emphasis on communication with parents and carers about food and nutrition.
• Encouragement for settings to develop a clear food and nutrition policy.
• Addressing food brought from home to promote a whole-setting approach.
• Emphasis on meeting the needs of all children, including those with allergies, SEND, and specific religious or cultural diets.
• Formula milk is stated as not required for children over 12 months. 

For the first time, the guidance directs providers to Free School Meals and the Healthy Start scheme, aiding more families in accessing vital support.